Letters
LETTERS
REVOLTING!
“If You Get Busted” (April ’70) is one of the most revolting pieces I have ever read. It is full of discrepancies.
I have been closely associated with our courts in California for some time, and even closer to California’s law enforcement area. I’m not from a small city; in fact, it is the second largest in California—San Diego. I subscribe to [beep, beep] magazine, and was seriously considering CYCLE WORLD until I read the article by Dan Hunt. Since then I have completely changed my mind. I have posted your “article” in the Squad Room for all to read.
Our courts are full, the calendars are jammed! With people like you publishing stories like this, it’s going to get worse! The basic core of the story itself, as given by Hunt, sounds believable, but this is all I will believe . . .
DAVID R. ENGLISH Imperial Beach, Calif.
Your protestations bear marked similarity to those of a man who has just gotten a ticket and thinks it is a bum rap. How nice to see the shoe on the other foot!—Vá.
GOVERNMENT “RACKET"
Your article, “If You Get Busted” (April ’70), recalls a similar personal experience and underlines a principle I have supported since then.
Like Mr. Farnsworth, I had to fight my last ticket because of points accumulated in past violations. I put in far less preparation and counted on a head-tohead debate with the officer.
On the appointed day I arrived at court, informed the reporter of my presence and found I was not on the docket. The City Attorney had not notified the officer and that officer had gone on vacation. Case dismissed. A long lecture to the City Attorney!
The nation’s traffic violations and court systems are primarily a revenue producing device, which most people either do not object to or do not care enough about to fight. I find it insulting to allow this system to take my money for things which I do not feel have any relationship to justice or traffic safety. Thus I will never again plead “guilty” to a violation. If the system can be manipulated in the manner described in Hunt’s fine article or be fouled up in its own bureaucratic machinery as in my case, then I shall not let loose of my money without a fight and will argue my friends into similar actions.
This governmental “racket” should be brought into the open and I commend you for your stand.
JOHN LUDWICKSON Los Angeles, Calif.
9-MM ARGUMENT
Here in New York we again have an incredible situation. Because of a test conducted in Ohio in 1963 with interstate buses, we will soon have to run our motorcycles with lights on at all times. As one of the other members of the Cross Island MC said, “No one could see those tiny interstate buses without their lights on, but in August at noon, they will be able to see a motorcycle.” So, along with the safety belts and rotating lights on the helmets proposed in Connecticut, we have some brilliant legislation shoved at us by people who have obviously never ridden a bike in traffic. We all know that the average car driver expects your 500-lb. machine to stop in 12 feet from 45 mph, especially when he looks at you and then pulls right out in front of you. Unbelievable, but too true, as some of us have found.
We have another little problem on Long Island right now. At our club meeting we were informed that several “outlaw” groups were dedicating themselves to the destruction of all AMA chartered clubs in the Long Island counties. It is not just one, but a group of “clubs” that have banded together to cause this havoc. They have already burned down the clubhouse of the South Shore MC and have caused the Pharos MC to leave their premises and disband their club. Should we be caught in Suffolk County with AMA emblems on our jackets, the word is, “Beware, because the Pagans, et al, will get you.” It has already happened.
In the face of all this idiocy, I will continue to ride my BMW wherever I can legally do so, and carry my 9-mm argument with me, to reinforce my words if necessary.
If you have any helpful ideas, they would certainly be appreciated.
DR. STANLEY L. BOTWAY Hampstead, N.Y.
We’d suggest you leave your “9-mm argument” at home and act like a human being. —Ed.
A SISTER MACHINE
Just received your March issue and would like to congratulate Dennis May on his story of the Yank machines at Brooklands. Dennis still has his flair for turning a neat phrase. I used to enjoy his articles in Motor Cycling (England) 40 or more years ago.
He refers to the two Harley-Davidsons, engine numbers CA-13 and CA-14, one of which, ridden by Douglas Davidson, was the first machine to top the “ton” in England. It may interest him to know that a sister machine, CA-12, had a long and successful career on New Zealand tracks and is still in existence. At present it is being restored by an antique motorcycle enthusiast here.
Congratulations also to J.L. Beardsley for his Cyclone story (Feb. ’70). It has been done once or twice before, but never as well as this. The color photo is superb.
GEOFF HOCKLEY Christchurch, N.Z.
ALOHA INTER-AM
Your office, I am sure, has received numerous letters regarding the 1969 Inter-Am Series, both pro and con. I am writing this letter to explain a very wonderful thing that happened here in Hawaii.
On Dec. 21, 1969, Bengt Aberg, Arne Kring, Jeri Stoldulka, Roger de Coster, Russ Darnell, John DeSoto, Barry Higgens, Billy Silverthorne and many others drove to the location of Hawaii’s International Motocross. The site of this event was the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, a track unknown to the world and 90 percent of the people of Hawaii prior to this date. By 10 a.m. the grandstands were full and at the begin ning of the first moto in the Interna tional Class, 11,336 people were sitting everywhere possible. For the most part, these people were witnessing their first motocross race; in fact, their first mo torcycle anything. By the end of the day this group of international stars had won the respect and love of Hawaii. Those 11,336 spectators walked starry eyed back to their cars, not really believing what they had just witnessed, but all knowing that it had been the Greatest Show on Earth!
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All in all, the whole thing was re markable. This event was promoted on a non-profit basis by members of a group of motorcycle clubs who formed a committee, sent a representative to the mainland to talk to the riders, and worked their fingers to the bone to raise the needed funds, just because they wanted the World's Best to perform in Hawaii. This committee, known as the Hawaii Central Sports Committee, of which this club is a member, wish to express our sincere thanks to Mr. Wes Cooley, Mr. Edison Dye and the cham pions who helped us make this greatest of events possible and who gave up their holiday with family and friends to come to Hawaii even though the Inter-Am was officially closed.
We have the most beautiful and one of the finest courses in the world. The entire course can be seen from any given location, and it is located next to the ocean on the slopes of the graceful Makapu Peninsula on the windward side of Oahu. At present, the groundwork is being laid to make Hawaii an Inter-Am state. With such support as is being given by Edison Dye, Wes Cooley, the factory teams and others, the beautiful state of Hawaii will again welcome the champions in 1970 with our fondest aloha!
We here in Hawaii wish to thank you and CYCLE WORLD for your great support of the Inter-Am Series and invite you to come see us at our next Inter-Am. Mahalo.
S.D. "JOLLY" SHEATS Wheels of Oahu Motorcycle Club Oahu, Hawaii
CORRESPONDENCE CLUB
We are trying to organize a club of a rather unique character and wish to ask your indulgence, a little time, and a bit of space.
The club idea grew out of letters back and forth between guys around the country who are interested in motorcycling. After kicking it around for a couple of months, we wrote to AMA and have received the “go-ahead.”
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Our idea is this: a correspondence club, composed of motorcycle enthusiasts, riders or not, who like to exchange ideas and general information with people from “other” parts. There will be no dues or fees involved—just a sincere love of the sport and a willingness to keep the letters moving. The only stipulation for membership is that you must be over 40 years of age. Of course, to be on the charter one would need a current AMA number, but it isn’t required for “openers.”
Any “old-timers” desiring to join or wishing to receive more info, contact me, and I’ll put you in touch with the rest of the “Not-So-Wild Bunch.”
STCM GEORGE R. SPIDEL, 875 98 25
Flag Allowance ComCruDesPac San Diego, CA 92132
CIAO, CARO!
Sono una ragazza Italiana molto appassionata di motociclette ed assieme ad altre mie amiche abbiamo fondato un club.
Posseggo una BSA Rocket 3 e leggendo la rivista CYCLE WORLD ho ricavato il tuo indirizzo. Non scrivo per il tuo annuncio ma solo per chiederti un grosso favore.
Stiamo collezionando le targhe di circolazione per moto di tutti gli Stati Uniti e Punica che mi manca e quella dello Stato Delia California.
Spero che tu possa inviarne una e sappi che se tu avessi bisogno qualche cosa dallTtalia, 10 saro a tua completa disposizione.
Se tu dovessi sostenere delle spese per averia e spedirla fammi sapere quanto ti dovro inviare.
Ti ringrazio e nell’attesa ti saluto tanto tanto. Ciao!
MARIA PASIN P.zza S. Sepolcro 2 20123 Milano, Italia
What Maria is trying to say is that she needs one, just one, California license plate to complete her collection. Anybody feel like sending her one? She rides a Rocket Three, by the way.— Ed.
COMMENT ON DAYTONA
I have just returned home from Daytona Beach and the annual Speed Week Festivities. The money, mileage, and time were well spent, and for me it was a great start for the 1970 race season, just as I thought last year’s was. Judging from your mail in ’69, I thought that the stands would be bereft of fans, and only tourists would be out to see something different. Main Street couldn’t have been more crowded, the Armory more packed, or the events better attended. The weather was with us this year, and I came home with a pocketful of rain checks and a lot of happy memories.
Counting events attended, I guess this year was no more full than last, and the weatherman added just a touch more suspense to this year’s fun. After a long winter of waiting for motorcycling to resume, Speed Week has always been the first sign of another full season on the road and at the track. Rain or shine,
I saw a full schedule of racing both years. Perhaps not the events I would have chosen, but at least enough to open the season and satisfy a winter starved cyclist.
It was good to see the old-timers return for another season and a real joy to see Dick Mann hold his lead at 15 seconds through the last 10 laps. It was interesting to see the Europeans and Aussies, and follow the progress of the first year Experts. I half expected to see them wheel Gary Nixon to the starting line in a wheelchair, but he made it on his own and proceeded to keep us on edge through those first 40 laps of the 200. It was also heartening not to hear any blood-curdling cheers as some of the boys slid into the hay bales coming out of the left-hand sweeper. Some of us just like racing, not blood.
Lest you think I have only rosy thoughts, let me add here my two complaints for the week. With a new season, the riders’ numbers change and it is nice to have a program to pick them out. The program distribution at Daytona leaves much to be desired. If you miss the roving hawker on his rounds, you just have to guess who those speeding cyclists really are. There ought to be fixed selling points—perhaps the refreshment stand or at the gates, where a program can be procured. The other complaint is a question of information after the race is run. No one is ever in doubt about the first three places because they are right there in the winner’s circle, but anyone who made the trip to Daytona is interested in the Grand National Sweepstakes. Couldn’t the announcers give a run down of all point paying places so that we can keep our records current? There is nothing more frustrating than to have to return home and call the local dealer to find out what went on before your eyes.
For this year and last year, too, thanks to the Daytona promoters, the AMA and all the riders who participated.
EDWARD R. REIDY Brookfield, 111.
AMA RACING RULES
This past December, in view of the AMA becoming co-affiliate for the U.S. to the FIM Congress, I wrote the AMA Competition Committee regarding entry of my 125-cc Villa in the March events at Daytona. The reply I received follows.
Dear Mr. Burdick:
In reply to your recent letter in regards to entering the Daytona Road Races with a Villa 125-cc water-cooled engine, AMA rules require that there must be at least 200 of these machines available for sale in the United States. You mentioned that only 20 were ever built. Therefore, this machine cannot be used in any AMA sanctioned event, either sportsman or professional.
Our affiliation with FIM does not change the AMA rules regarding equipment.
Thank you for your interest.
Jules Horky Competition Director
Unfortunately, probably 200 of these machines never will be built, much less be stocked in the U.S. available for sale. The Villa factory is a small operation, producing only racing machines.
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However, these machines are available directly from the factory to anyone, which is more than can be said for many of the machines currently competing in AMA events. Can a private rider purchase such works-prepared equipment as the 500-cc Suzuki Twin or the Harley-Davidson KR Lowboy? I seriously doubt that 200 of these machines have been produced, and any resemblance to road-going models is purely coincidental. Have 200 TR-2 Yamahas actually been built? What similarity is there to the 350-cc Yamaha street model excepting bore, stroke, and number of cylinders?
It would seem that the AMA rules regarding road racing equipment are hopelessly outdated. Adoption of the new FIM regulations in classes up to 250 cc would be an excellent starting point in bringing AMA road racing out of the dark ages.
WALDO E. BURDICK JR.
Pine City, N.Y.
SQUEAKY CLEAN
I enjoy CYCLE WORLD very much. As I am a Christian, not many maga
zines on the market today appeal to me, but yours is morally fresh and clean-cut. Keep up the good work.
ROSS MELANSON APO San Francisco
We’re not sure whether that’s a compliment or not. —Ed.
IT FIGURES...
Thanks for the article on Carroll Resweber (May ’70). It was one of the best articles I have ever read in a motorcycle magazine. It figures it came from CYCLE WORLD.
CRAIG BAUMANN Chatsworth, Calif.
BIG BROTHER CLOSES IN
In the April 15, 1970, issue of the Hacienda Heights Hilander, I was appalled to discover the announcement of LA County Supervisor Frank G. Bonelli’s amendment to Traffic Ordinance Number 6544, Section 7021.
As I interpret this new law, if anyone complains for any reason because a kid starts up his minibike in his own yard (even in his own garage with the door closed), the kid would be considered a violator and subject to a fine and/or imprisonment.
As we all know, the kids are not allowed to ride on the street. In some
locations, they are required to have the owner’s written permission before they can ride on private property. Now Supervisor Bonelli would make your kid a criminal for riding his own minibike in his own backyard!
With the constantly rising crime rate and irrepressible drug traffic, it would seem to me that our police force has more than enough to do.
As a parent who wants his kids to grow up with respect for law and order, I think legislation of this caliber also makes my task quite difficult. How do you explain to your kid, when “the man” puts “the arm” on him in his own backyard, that the officer is really a nice guy and he’s just carrying out Mr. Bonelli’s orders?
I do not believe in riots or other civil disorder. I do not believe in disobedience of the law. However, I do believe that we must resist and actively oppose unjust, prejudiced and irresponsible legislation.
I do not know what action you will feel compelled to take, but I will tell you what I have done.
The morning after discovering Mr. Bonelli’s legislation, I placed a call to the Sheriff’s Department and stated the desire to place a complaint against violators of Traffic Ordinance 6544, Section 7021, and read this section to the officer. I told him there was a bulldozer and other earth-moving equip ment making noise, dust, and fumes in the field behind my house. I further stated that if the ordinance required citation of kids for starting up minibikes in their own yard, surely operators of tractors should receive long jail terms! Needless to say, the poor officer was a bit perplexed. I was transferred around a few times, telling my story to all who would listen. I finally wound up with the Assistant District Attorney, insisting that he prosecute all violators, including the neighbor who starts his motor vehi cle up in his driveway (off the highway) early each Sunday morning when he starts for the desert. If you will note, the ordinance prohibits you from start ing your car in your own driveway if it disturbs anyone's peace and quiet!
Well, to make a long story short, nobody could quite figure out what to do with me or tell me who was sup posed to enforce this law. So I wound up on the phone to Mr. Bonelli's office. He was too busy to talk to me, even after several calls, so eventually I retold my story to and asked my questions of his very nice secretary. She referred me to Mr. Bonelli's deputy, Mr. Corvell. Mr. Corvell informed me that Mr. Bonelli's office had received several complaints about minibikes and motorcycles and that he was sorry I could not under stand the need for this new legislation. I assured him that Mr. Bonelli's office would receive a great many more complaints about the miserable new legislation. If you would like to speak to Mr. Bonelli about his legislation, you may reach him at 625-3611 or you may write to him, as I did, at the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, 500 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, Calif.
R.D. WEBB Sun Valley, Calif.
SOUL STORY
I just wanted to take the time to compliment your fine magazine and to say that I thoroughly enjoyed "I'm So Glad" by Mark Lunde (March `70). It is one of the finest short stories I've read, and to find such a fine piece of litera ture in a motorcycle magazine was both a surprising and pleasing experience. It portrays a little part of the "soul" to be found in the wonderful world of two wheeled motivation. Keep up the liter ary excellence that your magazine has thus far employed.
MORRIS GERKEN Sweet Springs, Mo.
CHECK YOUR GLASSES
I can't see you publishing this letter since it is a knock at one of your advertisers, but I take offense to the Norton ad on page 2 of the April 1970 issue. It shows a vibrating T— and a steady Norton.
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I think that if you are going to accept ads, you should at least check into the truth claimed by the advertiser. A close examination of the T— shows that it has been prepared for.trail riding (single seat, no lights, hard knobby tires, probably stiff suspension). By the dirt spray, it’s probably traveling quite fast. Notice the blurred shrubbery! Does shrubbery vibrate too?!
Is it not evident that the photographer lengthened the exposure time and swung his camera as the T— passed?
Now look at the Norton picture. Notice any blurred shrubbery, any dirt spray? My guess is that the photographer put his camera on a tripod, used a l/1000th-second exposure time, and snapped the picture as the bike went by at 10 mph.
My point is that if a comparison is going to be made, it should at least be a fair comparison.
Incidentally, I love Nortons!
IAN HARRIS Ontario, Canada
We can tell.-Ed.
WE THANK YOU
I would like to comment on the fine advertisements and great material you pack into CYCLE WORLD. I have the last two years' editions and enjoy read ing them. I look forward to each month's issue very much. Keep up the great work!
ROB MAYER
American Falls, Idaho
ON THE INTER-AM
I am writing this letter in regard to the International Motocross held at Saddleback Park on Sunday, Dec. 14. Although the racing scene there was fantastic, there were a few things that made it sickening.
This race was one of the most important motocross races in the history of the U.S. It marked the first attempt by Americans to put on a motocross race in real European tradition. The track condition, altitude, and surroundings made this a great race for the Europeans. Why were the riders permitted practice laps? This just isn’t done in a final championship in Europe. Also, why were so many spectators allowed to stand on the fence so close to dangerous parts of the track? If that had happened in Europe the race would have been disqualified. Is it poor management or is nobody aware that many injuries could be prevented by keeping spectators back a safe distance? When is the AMA going to get on the stick and make racing a safer sport?
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ROBERT WILLIS El Centro, Calif. The AMA has nothing to do with sanctioning Inter-Am events.— Ed.
N.Y. NEEDS HELP
Help is needed in New York state. A senator is proposing a bill that would require motorcyclists to keep their bike headlights on during the day. I sincerely believe this piece of legislation is totally absurd. I am making a plea to all motorcyclists in the state to write to the capitol in Albany, knocking this garbage. Let’s put an end to anti-motorcycle legislation before it puts an end to us.
THOMAS SCHILIRO East Meadow, N.Y.
HISTORICALLY YOURS
I just want to say thank you. I am convinced that the histories you publish are an incalculably valuable contribution to the cycle world. I am also convinced that they are only a small part of the total contribution you make. CYCLE WORLD is the only magazine I buy without hesitation. Keep up those history lessons!
DANIEL MCGEE Thatcher, Ariz.
HE’S GOTA PROBLEM
I own a 1969 CB 350 Honda. Just after purchase, it started bogging down when a considerable wind from the left was present. The dealer said it was just a break-in factor. Now, off the warranty, the problem persists.
I broke it in as close to the book as possible. The timing is good. Points, plugs, air cleaners, and carburetors are all good. I even checked the diaphragms (carb) for a cut. This engine bogging or dying never occurs with a head wind, a wind from the right or a tail wind. I also find that if I place my left foot on the rear footpeg, the dying is not so noticeable. Maximum speed in fifth gear with the “left-side” wind is 45 or 50 mph. The entire bike is stock. Are the interconnected air cleaners at fault, or would the stock jet size be incorrect? I tried riding it with the air cleaner covers off once and still no response. I would certainly appreciate any and all help on the subject.
JEROLD ARTHURS Reese AFB, Tex.
You're putting us on, we hope. . .-Ed.
LETHARGY HURTS YOU
I would like to comment on the letter from H. Leland Moore (Letters, April `70). One thing damages the mo torcyclist's privileges more than any thing else. Bureaucrats, legislators, con servation clubs, and agitated do-gooders all combined cannot do one-tenth the damage to us that we do to ourselves by our own lethargy.
You can hear more bitching per cubic foot of hot air in a motorcycle shop or any other place where riders tend to congregate than any place I know. You hear it from the rider, his girlfriend or wife, his son or daughter. Even his mother will get in her licks, and of course the dealer will offer his own slant on things.
But if you want to hear it all stop, just mention joining an organization to fight for the things we need. In Michi gan we have the Cycle Conservation Club. Its headquarters is in Lansing, bUt it is a state-wide organization. At least that is the design. Other states have similar organizations and I hear they get the same results in membership drives as we do. Due to the efforts of a few men, we have 130 miles of state approved,
public riding trails with some 800 miles roughly mapped which need to be marked and approved. We have a very good relationship with the Department of Natural Resources people involved in this project. Several district rangers have helped immensely in trail routing.
We have operated a rider training school in Lansing for four years now. This is no Mickey Mouse program ei ther-each applicant is given 10 hours of instruction, five in the classroom and five on motorcycles supplied by local dealers. This program is supported by the Adult Education Department of the Lansing School System and the Greater Lansing Safety Council. They supply grounds and facilities and take care of enrollment and insurance. They also handle the collection of fees and dis bursements for expenses.
This program can go state-wide any time we can find people willing to put their feet where their mouths are in their own areas.
We also were able to have a small influence, through a friendly legislator, on some issues concerning us. Two hundred votes are not very much when you talk to a politician, though.
All riders have one thing in com mon-a very sure opinion about what somebody ought to do. They can't right the wrong themselves (if they could,
there would be no reason for complain ing to anyone else) and they have more reasons for not shelling out five bucks to support an organization to do it than Momma can conjure up to explain why little Suzy produced the bouncing bun dle of joy exactly seven months to the day after the rice was thrown.
I wish one of you guys would intro duce me to this Mr. Somebody who should repeal the helmet laws and open up the hunting and recreation areas that have been closed to trail riding and get the motorcyclist a fair shake in traffic laws and with law enforcement people. I'd really like to meet him because I have a few ideas I would like to offer, too.
In the meantime, though, if you would really like to see something done, just join the action group in your state. Support them with your membership if you can't do anything else. They will be glad for your help and, who knows, maybe we can at least slow down the rising tide of anti-motorcycle feeling.
PHILLIP L. BEAN Lansing, Mich.
Well said, Mr. Bean. If any such action groups care to write this columnunder their letterhead, we will attempt to give them space (keep letters short, if possible) and publish their addresses so people will know where to turn.-Ed. J
